Agnes Irwin’s Manning, Tornetta commit to Stanford, Princeton

Surrounded by teammates, family and coaches, two Agnes Irwin seniors committed today to continuing their athletic careers in college. Senior Anna Marie Manning signed a commitment letter to play squash next year at Stanford University, with classmate Sophia Tornetta committing to continue her field hockey career at Princeton University.

Manning, a Wynnewood resident, began her squash career four years ago at Agnes Irwin and is now the 20th-ranked player in the United States in the Girls’ U19 category.

“It’s a testament to all her hard work over the past few years — and despite only starting squash four years ago, she’s become one of the best players in the country,’ said AIS Director of Squash Alex Stait.

“I’m excited to get to know my team and a new kind ‘ family’ at Stanford,’ said Manning, who has also helped mentor the Middle School squash team. She credits Stait with working with her to ensure she incorporated aspects of play that needed additional work, and noted that at Stanford she was looking forward to working on her mental game.

“Anna Marie’s achievement here is extremely well-deserved,’ Stait said.

Senior Sophia Tornetta also committed on Tuesday to continuing her athletic career at the university level, playing field hockey at Princeton next fall. A four-year starter, Tornetta came to Agnes Irwin in ninth grade and served as an elected team captain for two seasons. The senior right forward is the all-time leading goal scorer at Agnes Irwin with 102 goals, and is also a member of the USA Field Hockey U21 National Team.

“I’m definitely looking forward to playing with such an amazing team,’ Tornetta, a Plymouth Meeting resident, said. “Here at Agnes Irwin, the community is so strong and everyone encourages you to strive for your absolute best — I’m excited to continue that in college and looking forward to taking my play to the next level.’

Among those in attendance at the signing were Tornetta’s future coach, Kristen Holmes-Winn, as well as Agnes Irwin Head Field Hockey Coach Ali Brant.

“For something like this to happen to such an amazing player and person is so special — especially to mark the day with her teammates, family and future coach,’ Brant said. “I’m very proud of her, excited for her future, this is really just the beginning — the close of a high school chapter but the start of a whole new chapter in college.’